The U.S. Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association: A Storied History

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) stands as a beacon of maritime education and leadership development. The Academy's roots lie in the "School of Instruction of the Revenue Cutter Service", the school of the Revenue Cutter Service. The School of Instruction was established near New Bedford, Massachusetts in 1876 and used USRC James C. Dobbin for its exercises. Captain John Henriques served as superintendent from founding until 1883. The student body averaged five to ten cadets per class. Land was purchased in New London on 31 July 1930 for the construction of the Coast Guard Academy. The 40-acre site was made up of two parcels from the Allyn and Payne estates and was purchased for $100,000. With a rich heritage dating back to the late 19th century, the Academy has produced generations of leaders who have served with distinction in the Coast Guard and beyond. An integral part of this legacy is the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association, an organization dedicated to fostering fellowship, providing services, and giving back to the Academy and its graduates.

Foundation and Early Years

The origins of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy can be traced back to 1876 with the establishment of the "School of Instruction of the Revenue Cutter Service" near New Bedford, Massachusetts. The school, which utilized the USRC James C. Dobbin for training exercises, was later moved to Curtis Bay, Baltimore in 1900 and then to Fort Trumbull in New London, Connecticut, in 1910.

In 1930, a significant milestone was reached when land was purchased in New London for the construction of a dedicated Coast Guard Academy. This 40-acre site, comprising parcels from the Allyn and Payne estates, was acquired for $100,000. Ground was broken in January 1931, marking the beginning of a new era for the Academy.

Evolution and Growth

Over the years, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy has evolved into a premier service academy, offering a rigorous academic and military training program. Unlike the other service academies, admission to the USCGA does not require a congressional nomination. This is due to the fervent objections of Captain John A. Henriques, the first Superintendent of the Revenue Cutter School of Instruction (later the Revenue Cutter Academy). Each year more than 2,000 students apply and appointments are offered until the number accepting appointments to the incoming class numbers reaches approximately 400; the average entering class size is 300 cadets. Those who have received appointments as cadets report to the USCGA in late June or early July for "Swab Summer", a basic military training program designed to prepare them for the rigors of their Fourth Class year. After four years of study and training, approximately 250 of those cadets will graduate. All graduating cadets earn commissions as ensigns in the United States Coast Guard, as well as Bachelor of Science degrees. The academy maintains a core curriculum of science and professional development courses in addition to major-specific courses. Each cadet takes two semesters of classes during the school year and then spends the majority of the summer in military training to produce officers of character with the requisite professional skills. Among these are courses in leadership, ethics, organizational behavior, and nautical science. Academics at the USCGA stress the sciences and engineering, but different courses of study are available. In addition, several of the majors offer tracks of specialization (for example, marine and environmental science majors can choose to focus on biology, chemistry, or geophysics).

As the Academy grew, so did the need for a strong alumni network to support its mission and connect its graduates. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association emerged as the embodiment of this need.

Read also: Courses at Bond University

Key Figures in Alumni Association Leadership

Throughout its history, the Alumni Association has been guided by dedicated leaders who have played a crucial role in shaping its direction and impact.

Superintendents

1929-1931: Captain Benjamin M.
1931-1941: Rear Admiral Leon C.
1941-1946: Rear Admiral Lloyd T.
1949-1954: Rear Admiral Alfred C.
1954-1962: Vice Admiral James A.
1962-1962: Vice Admiral Edwin G.
1962-1964: Vice Admiral Donald M.
1964-1966: Vice Admiral William D.
1966-1970: Vice Admiral Paul E.
1970-1974: Vice Admiral Thomas R.
1974-1978: Vice Admiral Ellis L.
1978-1982: Vice Admiral Robert H.
1982-1986: Vice Admiral Benedict L.
1986-1988: Vice Admiral James C.
1988-1990: Vice Admiral Clyde T.
1990-1992: Vice Admiral Martin H.
1992-1994: Vice Admiral Robert T.
1994-1996: Vice Admiral Arthur E.
1996-1998: Vice Admiral Richard D.
1998-2000: Vice Admiral James C.
2000-2002: Vice Admiral Thomas H.
2002-2004: Vice Admiral Thomas J.
2004-2006: Vice Admiral Terry M.
2006-2009: Vice Admiral Vivien S.
2009-2010: Vice Admiral David P.
2012-2014: Vice Admiral John P.
2015-2018: Admiral Charles D.
2018-Present: Admiral Charles W.

Master Chief Petty Officers of the Coast Guard (MCPOCG)

1969-1973: MCPO Charles L.
1973-1977: MCPO Phillip F.
1977-1981: MCPO Hollis B.
1981-1986: MCPO Carl W.
1986-1990: MCPO Allen W.
1990-1994: MCPO R.
1994-1998: MCPO Eric A.
1998-2002: MCPO Vincent W.
2002 (July-October): MCPO Charles W.
2002-2006: MCPO Frank A.
2006-2010: MCPO Charles W.
2010-2014: MCPO Michael P.
2014-2018: MCPO Steven W.
2018-Present: MCPO Jason M.

Prominent Alumni

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy has produced a multitude of distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. Some notable names include:

Acklin, Ernest B.
Acton, John C.
Ahern, James L.
Alger, James A.
Allen, Edward C., Jr.
Allen, Thad W.
Ames, Fred L.
Appelbaum, Richard A.
Atkin, Thomas F.
Barneson, Harold J., Jr.
Barrett, Thomas J.
Barrett, Edward J.
Barrow, Winfred W.
Bauman, Richard A.
Baumgartner, William D.
Baylis, John S.
Bell, Henry H.
Belz, David S.
Bender, Chester R.
Benkert, William M.
Bennett, Louis L.
Bennis, Richard E.
Beran, Arnold B.
Berdine, Harold S.
Bertholf, Ellsworth P.
Billard, Frederick C.
Blayney, Paul M.
Blore, Gary T.
Bone, Craig E.
Bradbury, Harold G.
Brallier, Bert H.
Breckenridge, Jody A.
Breed, Alan D.
Brooks, Arthur E.
Brown, Erroll M.
Brown, Manson K.
Bullard, Ross P.
Burhoe, John S.
Bursley, G. H.
Busick, Paul E.
Cairnes, George W.
Caldwell, Wayne E.
Card, James C.
Carmichael, James S.
Carpenter, Albert J.
Castillo, Joseph R.
Casto, Roy J.
Chalker, Lloyd T.
Childress, William W.
Ciancaglini, David E.
Clark, Malcomb E.
Coffin, Eugene A.
Collins, Thomas H.
Colmar, Peter V.
Colvin, Christopher C.
Coogan, Cynthia A.
Cornell, John H.
Costello, John D.
Cowart, Kenneth K.
Covell, Leon C.
Craik, James D.
Crea, Vivien S.
Crisp, Richard O.
Cross, Terry M.
Crowley, John E.
Cueroni, Richard P.
Currier, John P.
Daniel, Martin H.
Daniell, Martin H., Jr.
Daniels, Edwin H.
Daniels, Milton R.
Danielsen, Arnold M.
Day, Robert E.
Dean, Charles W.
Dempwolf, Ralph W.
Derby, Wilfred N.
DeWolf, Clifford F.
Diehl, Herman T.
Doebler, Harold J.
Donnell, William C.
Duin, Robert A.
Duncan, Robert F.
Durfey, Robert W.
Eaton, Phillip B.
Ecker, William J.
Eldridge, Kevin J.
Ellis, William B.
Engel, Arthur B.
Engel, Benjamin F.
Eskridge, Ira A.
Evans, Stephen H.
Fabik, Theodore J.
Faigle, John N.
Farley, Joseph F.
Farwell, Lorenzo C.
Feidler, Ernest R.
Finlay, Gordon T.
Fisher, Henry G.
Ford, Alexander L.
Fredericks, Douglas W.
French, Reginald H.
Fugaro, Anthony F.
Gabel, Dale G.
Garrett, Jeffrey M.
Gehring, Howard B.
Gilbert, Marshall E.
Gilmour, Thomas H.
Glenn, David T.
Goehring, Robert W.
Golove, Fred S.
Gorman, Frank J.
Gracey, James S.
Hall, Arthur G.
Hall, Norman B.
Hamlet, Harry G.
Hammond, Robert E.
Hanks, Charles J.
Harding, Chester L.
Harrison, Kenneth S.
Harwood, Charles W.
Hathaway, Jeffrey J.
Hayes, John B.
Heckman, Albert A.
Heimer, Roger C.
Helmer, Frank V.
Henderson, Douglas B.
Henn, Arthur E.
Hereth, Larry L.
Herr, Richard D.
Hewitt, Ronald T.
Hirshfield, James A.
Hollingsworth, Bobby F.
Hottel, James F.
Houck, Richard R.
Howell, Charles F.
Hull, James D.
Hunt, James S.
Imlay, Miles H.
Irwin, James C.
Jacobs, William V. E.
Jenkins, William A.
Johansen, Julian E.
Johanson, Robert L.
Johnson, Harvey E., Jr.
Johnson, Harvey F.
Jones, Aubey H.
Jones, Chester H.
Jones, Edward D.
Josiah, Timothy W.
Justice, Wayne E.
Keester, William J.
Kelly, Richard R.
Kenner, William W.
Kerrins, Joseph A.
Kime, J.
Kinghorn, James A., Jr.
Knapp, Christopher C.
Knapp, Richard J.
Knudsen, George A.
Kozlovsky, William P.
Kramek, Robert E.
Kunkel, David W.
Landry, Mary E.
Leahy, William P.
Leamy, Frank A.
Leland, Walter T.
Leslie, Norman H.
Linnon, John L.
Lively, Olin A.
Lloyd, Daniel B.
Lockwood, John W.
Loy, James M.
Lucas, Robert S.
Lusk, Clyde T.
Maley, Kenneith P.
Manning, Alfred P.
Matteson, Thomas T.
Mauerman, Raymond J.
May, Daniel R.
McCabe, George E.
McClelland, Joseph J.
McClelland, Joseph J., Jr.
McCubbin, John D.
McElligott, Raymond T.
McGowan, John F.
McKay, Donald E.
Merlin, William F.
Merrilees, George R.
Metruck, Stephen P.
Miller, George H.
Molloy, Thomas M.
Moore, Carlton D.
Moore, Harold C.
Moreau, James W.
Morrison, Donald M.
Morrison, William L.
Munter, William H.
Murphy, Daniel J.
Naccara, George N.
Nash, Roy A.
Neffenger, Peter V.
Nelson, Edward, Jr.
Nelson, Robert T.
Neptun, Daniel A.
Nichols, Fred A.
Nicholson, David R.
Nimmich, Joseph L.
North, Robert C.
O'Donnell, Mary P.
Olsen, Carl B.
Olsen, Louis B.
Olsen, Robert C.
Olson, Severt A.
Olson, James C.
Oren, John B.
Ostebo, Thomas P.
Palmer, James A.
Papp, Robert J., Jr.
Park, Charles A.
Parks, Michael N.
Parker, Harold W., Jr.
Parker, John L.
Parker, Robert C.
Parker, Stanley V.
Passmore, George D.
Pearson, Clifford I.
Pearson, Helmer S.
Pekoske, David P.
Penington, Gregory A.
Perkins, Henry C.
Perkins, Louis W.
Perry, Ellis L.
Peschel, Rudy K.
Peterman, David B.
Peterson, Clarence H.
Piche, Gordon G.
Pluta, Paul J.
Polant, Ronald M.
Price, Robert I.
Prins, Paul E. G.
Rabago, Ronald J.
Raney, Roy L.
Ratti, Richardo A.
Ratti, Steven H.
Reed, Byron L.
Reynolds, William F.
Richmond, Alfred C.
Richmond, Chester A., Jr.
Ridgely, Randolph, Jr.
Riker, J.
Riutta, Ernest R.
Roach, Phillip F.
Robbins, Clyde E.
Rochon, Stephen W.
Roemer, Charles G.
Rohnke, Oscar C.
Roland, Edwin J.
Rosa, Fred M.
Rose, Earl G.
Ross, Richard M.
Rots, Peter J.
Rufe, Roger T., Jr.
Ryan, Michael J.
Rybacki, Richard I.
Ryssy, John W.
Salerno, Brian M.
Saunders, Norman T.
Scammell, William K.
Scarborough, Robert H.
Scheiderer, Edward D.
Schmidtman, Richard D.
Schneider, Richard W.
Schubert, Frederick P.
Schwob, William S. Jr.
Scullion, Joseph R.
Seward, Michael R.
Sexton, Floyd J.
Shanley, Thomas A.
Shea, William H.
Shepheard, Halert C.
Shields, William D.
Shkor, John E.
Siemens, Abe H.
Siler, Owen W.
Silva, Ronald F.
Sipes, Joel D.
Sirois, Robert D.
Sloncen, Robert E.
Smeder, Orvan R.
Smith, Edward H.
Smith, Willard J.
Sobel, Arnold I.
Sparks, Bennett S.
Sprow, Ned W.
Stabile, Benedict L.
Steele, Chester I.
Steele, Joseph R.
Steinmetz, John L.
Stephens, John L.
Stewart, Irvin J.
Stewart, James P.
Stewart, William H.
Stika, J. E.
Stillman, Patrick M.
Stoffle, Merton W.
Stromberg, William T.
Sullivan, Timothy S.
Synon, George D.
Taylor, Keith A.
Teeson, Douglas H.
Telsey, Leon G.
Thayer, Louis M., Jr.
Thiele, Edward H.
Thomas, Charles W.
Thompson, Bernie E.
Thompson, Donald C.
Thompson, Glenn O.
Thompson, John F., Jr.
Thorsen, Howard B.
Towle, William F.
Tozzi, John T.
Trimble, Paul E.
Uberroth, Preston H.
Underwood, James W.
Utley, Ralph D.
Van Sice, James C.
Vaughn, Sidney G., Jr.
Venuto, Kenneth T.
Venzke, Norman C.
Versaw, Paul E.
Vorbach, Joseph E.
Waesche, Russell R.
Waesche, Russell R., Jr.
Wagner, Austin C.
Wallace, Sidney A.
Webster, Edward M.
Welch, John S.
Welling, Paul A.
West, Horace B.
Wetmore, Thomas T.
Whalen, Mark A.
Wheeler, William J.
Whitbeck, John E.
Whitehead, Joel R.
Williams, James W.
Williams, Kent H.
Wiman, Kenneth G.
Wojnar, Theodore J.
Wood, Russell E.
Woolever, Gerald F.
Wuensch, Henry J.
Wurster, Charles D.
Yost, Paul A., Jr.
Zeusler, F. A.
Zumstein, Louis L.

Key Activities and Initiatives

The Alumni Association actively engages in a variety of activities and initiatives to support its members and the Academy. These include:

Networking Events: Organizing social gatherings and networking opportunities for alumni to connect and collaborate. For example, the USCGA Alumni Networking Social in San Diego showcased the strength of the Long Blue Line, with 75 alumni in attendance.
Career Support: Providing career resources and guidance to alumni, including job boards and professional development programs.
Fundraising: Raising funds to support Academy programs, scholarships, and facilities. The Academy community is celebrating the $380M coming to CGA as a result of the One Big Beautiful Bill and Force Design 2028.
Mentorship: Facilitating mentorship programs to connect experienced alumni with current cadets and recent graduates.
Alumni Recognition: Honoring distinguished alumni through awards and recognition programs.
Publications: Producing newsletters and magazines to keep alumni informed about Academy news and alumni activities. LCDR Marguerite Mullen â11, Mission Support Team Lead at CG Headquarters (CG-83), shared a closer look at her amazing job, where her team manages and directs the Coast Guardâs annual $10B Operations and Support budget in the latest issue of The Bulletin.
Supporting the Academy's Mission: Ensuring Coast Guard men and women carry out missions that protect the homeland, secure maritime borders, save lives, and protect national security.

Embracing Diversity and Inclusion

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy and its Alumni Association are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The Academy made history in 1974 when it became the first service academy to offer an appointment to a woman, eventually welcoming 38 women to the Class of 1980. This commitment to diversity extends to all aspects of the Academy and the Alumni Association, ensuring that all members feel welcome and supported.

The Cadet Experience

Understanding the role of the Alumni Association requires insight into the cadet experience at the USCGA. Students are officers-in-training, referred to as cadets. In exchange for their debt-free education valued at over $500,000, graduates incur a five-year active-duty service obligation, with additional years if the graduate attends flight school or subsequent government-funded graduate school. Cadets are required to adhere to the academy's "Honor Concept," "Who lives here reveres honor, honors duty," which is emblazoned in the walls of the academy's entrance. The academy's motto is ScientiÃ¦ Cedit Mare, which is Latin for "the sea yields to knowledge".

Read also: Dallas Tuition Details

Each summer, cadets participate in training programs according to their class. Swab Summer: The new class of freshmen report in to the academy, and are sworn into the military. Each week during the school year cadets participate in regimental review, a formal military drill. In addition, cadets perform a variety of military duties at the academy. Like all cadets and midshipmen at the United States service academies, Coast Guard cadets are on active duty in the military and wear uniforms at all times. Cadets receive a monthly stipend to pay for books, uniforms, and other necessities.

The Corps is organized as one regiment divided into eight companies, each of which is composed of about 120 cadets of all classes. 2nd class cadets are cadre in swab summer training and are primarily responsible for leading and developing 4th class cadets. The highest-ranking cadet in each company is the company commander, a first-class cadet ("firstie"), equivalent to a senior. Although each company has some leeway in their standards and practices, every company commander reports to the regimental staff which plans and oversees all aspects of cadet life. At the top of the cadet chain of command is the regimental commander, the highest ranking cadet. The eight companies are named for the first eight letters of the NATO phonetic alphabet, each with a special focus in administering day-to-day affairs: Alfa Company manages health and wellness. Bravo Company runs training. Charlie Company administers the honor system, Delta Company coordinates drill and ceremonies. Echo Company manages transportation and logistics. Foxtrot Company operates the cadet conduct system, organizes the watch rotations, and updates the cadet regulations. Golf Company is in charge of supplies for cleaning and repairing damaged rooms within Chase Hall. To accomplish their missions, each company is divided, along shipboard lines, into three departments, each of which is divided into divisions with specific responsibilities. Divisions are the most basic unit at the Coast Guard Academy, and each has a very specific purpose. This organizational structure is designed to give every cadet a position of leadership and to emulate the structure of a Coast Guard cutter, in which the division officer and department head positions are filled by junior officers. Third-class cadets directly mentor the fourth-class in their division, just as junior petty officers would be responsible for the most junior enlisted personnel (non-rates). Second-class cadets act as non-commissioned officers, and ensure that the regulations and accountability are upheld. Firsties (like junior officers) are in supervisory roles, and are responsible for carrying out the mission of their divisions and ensuring the well-being of those under their command.

The USCGA Athletic Department offers 24 intercollegiate sports for cadets, generally competing in Division III of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Cadets devote two hours per academic day to athletic activities, either on varsity teams, club teams, or other sports pursuits. Principal non-athletic activities are musical centered on Leamy Hall. Regimental Band, Windjammers Drum & Bugle Corps, various pep bands, and the NiteCaps Jazz Band are instrumental programs. The academy has clubs and teams dedicated to increasing campus morale.

Read also: Contributions of USCGA Alumni

tags: #US #Coast #Guard #Academy #Alumni #Association